QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Region 4-A has ordered a municipal mayor and several local government staff in Quezon province to address traffic law violations after online footage captured them operating motorcycles without mandatory protective helmets.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao issued the show-cause order following the proliferation of viral social media photos and videos showcasing the non-compliant riders.
Lacanilao directed the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) to verify the registered owners and identify the specific riders shown in the digital evidence.
According to the directive, the individuals involved are required to attend a formal hearing at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on Thursday, October 1. They must present a notarized explanation along with relevant evidence demonstrating why they should not be held accountable for violating the Mandatory Helmet Act.
Furthermore, the respondents must address why they should not be declared improper persons to operate a motor vehicle—a designation that carries potential license suspension or permanent revocation.
“As government employees, we ourselves must take the lead in obeying the law. We cannot enforce traffic laws on others if we ourselves do not comply with them,” Lacanilao said.
”They thought we would let their actions slide. That is not how the LTO operates. Regardless of the violation, it will inevitably reach our office, and we will take action to hold the violators accountable.”